One thing is certain thanks to the advent of VAR at the most recent World Cup: controversy in soccer, especially at the greatest level, is nearly impossible to eradicate.
FIFA World Cup 2022: Four years after its WC debut, VAR is still divisive
The game has changed as a result of the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) technology, but not everyone thinks it’s for the better. The fact that there aren’t enough camera angles or slow-motion replays to reach a consensus for every occurrence on the field is one of the reasons behind this, along with the fact that the game’s regulations are still up to interpretation.
Human discretion will eventually still be needed, which presents the possibility of conflict.
Even issues that can be resolved with frame-by-frame proof are subject to disagreement. The quantity of offside decisions that were seen to be “against the spirit of the game” is a prime example.
A few people contend that the attacking side should get the benefit of the doubt if common reason would allow it. The reasoning for this is that a measurement that may be as little as the length of a fingernail shouldn’t be sufficient to have a goal declared illegal. Choosing where the new standard should be set, however, is the challenge. Is a finger’s worth of space appropriate? A hand? An arm?
It turns into a decision that must be made on a whim, which raises questions about consistency, human mistake, and debate.
Coaches have been steadfast in their pursuit of consistency for a very long time. Although the usage of VAR for offside calls is unsatisfactory, it is often reliable. However, in October, Tottenham manager Antonio Conte received a red card for his indignant outburst following the disqualification of Harry Kane’s injury-time goal against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League.
The Italian coach remarked, “VAR is causing a lot of damage.” “I want to see if they are prepared to forbid this sort of goal at another stadium of a major team. This is something that I would want to know.
A record 29 penalties were called throughout the tournament four years ago, so there was a time during the 2018 World Cup when it seemed like everything was a penalty. Following that, there was a time when penalties had to be repeatedly retaken due to goalie encroachments or hasty movements, all of which could be painstakingly examined at VAR headquarters.